Chapter 211: Itsuki’s Father (1/2)

They left the haunted house, and Mahiru seemed a little worn out from fear, so he supported her by her back as they went to the rest room. He then noticed a familiar silhouette, and could not help but blurt out.

“…Daiki-san?”

He did not have a deep impression of the man, so he timidly went to the man’s back, and greeted him. The man turned his head around, his back still straightened.

Amane heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing the face identical to the one in his memories, knowing that he did not identify the wrong person. He too straightened his back. Next to him, Mahiru looked up at Amane in confusion, he’s Itsuki’s dad, so Amane explained quietly to her, without the man hearing.

“It has been a while. I know it might be hard to recognize me because of my hairstyle change, but I’m Fujimiya.”

Itsuki’s father, the man called Daiki, sized up Amane’s face, and the somewhat unwelcoming face eased slightly.

“Ah Fujimiya-kun? You look different.”

“Ahaha. Well, I used to be gloomy.”

“I don’t mean that…I mean it’s great that you’re showing self-confidence on your face. You don’t have to be so humble.”

Itsuki often complained about his father for being naggy, but Daiki seemed fond of Amane, and took the latter’s change positively.

Amane too felt that Daiki was a little rigid when talking about his son, but aside from that, he was normal, and kind, and Amane definitely did not think it was a chore to chat. Truth be told, Daiki was  a nice person to talk to.

The words and expression of praise left Amane a little awkward, and Daiki turned towards Mahiru.

“And this pretty lady is?”

“Ahh, erm, the girl I’m dating now.”

Amane’s introduction of her was a little strange as he had yet to grasp the distance between him and Daiki. It was to be expected that there would be some difficulty in meeting a friend’s parents.

He could sense her freezing up due to embarrassment and awkwardness, but she showed an angelic smile as she bowed gently.

Daiki was a stranger to Mahiru, so she acted as though he was a stranger. Given his personality, this was the appropriate reaction.

“Nice to meet you, I am Mahiru Shiina. I am dating Amane-kun now, as he has introduced.”

“How courteous of you. I am Itsuki’s father, Daiki Akazawa.”

Daiki too bowed formally, and glanced aside at Amane. That’s impressive of you, so Amane sensed from the look, but he played dumb and responded with a genial smile.

“I see…well, I didn’t expect you to be dating a girl now, Fujimiya-kun. It shocked me since I haven’t heard anything about it.”

“Nothing from Itsuki?”

“Maybe he’s in the rebellious phase, but he’s ignoring me. Perhaps he thinks there is nothing to talk to me about.”

“Hm, maybe he doesn’t deem it necessary to talk about how his friend has fallen in love.”

Itsuki’s still on bad terms with his dad huh? so he thought, and nearly sighed, but he kept it to himself.

“You are going out with Fujimiya-kun…I suppose my embarrassing son has been in your care. You really have it tough.”

“No, I have been under his care.”

“You say so, but he has been troubling you.”

“No no. He really has been considerate for my sake, and I am often assisted by him. I hope to continue this friendship with Akazawa-san.”

He’s a busybody sometimes though, Amane resisted the urge to retort, while Daiki marveled.